Dirk

[Bob C]

Someone posted this link a while back: http://budk.com/product.asp?pn=MC2086

I ordered the dirk, and it arrived today. I'm really happy with it, for the price I paid. The blade is stainless steel. It probably would not stand the inspection of the knife snobs, but I'm not going into battle with it, anyway.

It looks great and the toughest thing it will ever be called upon to cut is a haggis. Admittedly, it's of limited use. I think I just might wear it to non-Scottish formal events, where they think my kilt is over-the-top, anyway.

The little fork will be great for hors d'ourves. :grin:

I recommend it. $25, plus shipping.

[flyv65]

It's very attractive and blindingly affordable: congrats on a purchase that suits you. Myself, I prefer live blades, so I might be one of the "knife snobs" to which you refer :smile: . I expect this is a classic example of the "to each his own" approach we practise here at XMarks.

Bryan...bought my dirk years ago from Scotia Metalworks, skein dubh coming from Rab this spring...

[GlassMan]

Myself, I prefer live blades

Not being someone who collects knives I have to ask, what is a "live blade?"

And I like the look of that dirk, especially the knife and fork!

[Bob C]

My only (tiny) complaint is that they don't offer a choice of color on the "jewels." I'd have chosen blue or green instead of red.

It also never occurred to me that I'd need a frog to hang it from my belt, but that's my own fault. I ordered one today.

Yep, flyv65, you're a knife snob. :grin: I like you, anyway.

[Macman]

Bob, that is a great price. I bought an almost identical dirk two years ago and paid ~$80 for it! It didn't come with a frog either.

[MacMullen]

Not being someone who collects knives I have to ask, what is a "live blade?"

A live blade is a blade that you could use for combat or as a tool, whereas the dirk here is a chiefly ornamental.

I also like the little utensils, but I'm guessing I would lose those pretty quickly.

[flyv65]

A live blade is a blade that you could use for combat or as a tool, whereas the dirk here is a chiefly ornamental.

I was going to respond when I saw that Mac had answered the question admirably.

Bryan...don't you guys like a knife that holds an edge, fer cryin' out loud?...

[GlassMan]

I forgot where I saw them but I recently saw some gorgeous dirks and sgian dubhs with damascus blades. They were so beautiful.

[Nick]

I'd say I'm probably a "knife snob." I'm making my own dirk (I have a sgean dhu already I'm quite fond of). But I also think pretty much every knife has its place and its use. Your dirk is very pretty. I especually like the etching on the blade, though I would probably have not put it on the bevel.

[prattw]

It's very attractive and blindingly affordable: congrats on a purchase that suits you. Myself, I prefer live blades, so I might be one of the "knife snobs" to which you refer :smile: . I expect this is a classic example of the "to each his own" approach we practise here at XMarks.

Bryan...bought my dirk years ago from Scotia Metalworks, skein dubh coming from Rab this spring...

Fly,

These inexpensive dirks are apparently made by the company that makes blades for the Indian Army. The one I have is a copy of the Model 1872 (IIRC) Piper's Dirk. The blades are high carbon steel, highly polished, and they are honestly hafted. The blades are dull, but sharpenable and will hold an edge. I thought about it for mine, but in the end decided against. I do want to wear it for ceremonial occasions, and many of those are in venues where a live blade is a distinct no no. As it is, I can draw it in an unthreatening fashion, hand it hilt first to the guard and tell him "Just feel that edge, officer." There follows an embarrased laugh and he hands it back to be returned to sheath. Cheap as it is, I don't want it confiscated when I wear it to Burns Night.

Will Pratt